Big Duke's first preparation for Darren Weir was outstanding (winning 5 from 9) and he shapes as being a major spring player based on his return on Saturday. The way the race was run, and the pattern of the day, meant that he was always going to struggle to make an impact from where he was at the 600m but he closed off in stylish fashion, clocking the fastest final 400m/200m splits in 22.68 and 11.54 seconds respectively. The good thing about him is that he has the ability to settle much closer - he's not just a get-back type who can run fast closing splits. The Metropolitan Handicap could be a nice race for him (hasn't been an overly strong race in recent years).

This was only a Listed race but the first two home look set to scale Group One heights this spring based on their dominance here (beat the rest by over 4L). This former Japanese-trained sprinter drifted right back from his wide barrier and ended up in an awkward spot in behind runners. Lane restrained and ducked back to the fence around the home turn, searching for a clear passage into the straight. He saw clean air at the 300m but his main rival Vega Magic was around 3L in front and had a full head of steam. Brave Smash displayed a brilliant turn-of-foot from the 300m to the 100m and loomed as the winner before VM kicked strongly to hold him at bay. Despite being held-up from the 400m-300m, Brave Smash still clocked a sizzling 11.11 seconds (soft 6 track!) for the penultimate furlong. He's a very exciting prospect.